The easiest way to catch and spread a computer virus these days is via e-mail, so use skeptical computing practices to avoid catching a virus, a worm or a spy:
Don’t open unknown attachments.
Don’t click on unknown links.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
If it's a chain letter, don't be the next link.
Don’t install unknown software.
Only give out professional e-mail to trusted sources, treat it like a credit card number. For everybody else create another e-mail address (mail.yahoo.com or mail.google.com).
Backup! At least monthly, backup all the important files from your computer to a memory stick.
Types of Malware
viruses, cause harm to files on your harddrive
worms, a virus that propagates itself across many computers
spyware, collects and sends information about a user's web browsing
phishing, e-mail disguised as an official e-mail from a trustworthy entity, often directing users to enter details, like account information at a website
Signs your system may already be infected:
Your anti-virus or spyware/adware scan tells you so. Follow the instructions in the program to repair or delete damages files.
You are having difficulty surfing the web. Very slow and/or lots of pop-up ads.
Your system is generally running slower.
You can’t get updated virus definition files and/or run anti-virus scan.
Protect your computer
Run an Anti-Virus program. A trial version of anti-virus comes with new computers, but you will need to subscribe to service to keep virus definitions up to date.
Skeptical Computing
The easiest way to catch and spread a computer virus these days is via e-mail, so use skeptical computing practices to avoid catching a virus, a worm or a spy:
Types of Malware
Signs your system may already be infected:
Protect your computer